barge in
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To push your way into a place or conversation when you weren't asked to join.
Literal meaning: To enter like a barge — a large, heavy boat that moves forcefully and is hard to steer; the idiomatic leap is to rude, intrusive entry.
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
informal
To enter a room or place suddenly and without consideration for others already there.
"He barged in without knocking right in the middle of our meeting."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1
idiomatic
informal
To interrupt a conversation or activity rudely and without invitation.
"Sorry to barge in, but I thought you should know the client has arrived."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Used for both physical entry (walking into a room uninvited) and conversational interruption. The metaphor comes from a barge (a large, heavy boat) that moves clumsily. Common in everyday British and American English.
Commonly used with
meeting conversation room discussion office unannounced
Forms
Base
barge in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
barges in
he/she/it
Past simple
barged in
yesterday
Past participle
barged in
have + pp
-ing form
barging in
continuous
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